Eastern fox snake

At the Detroit ZooThe Eastern fox snake can be found inside the Holden Reptile Conservation Center, located near the middle of the park. There, visitors can learn about the 70 different species (and approximately 275 individuals) of reptiles at the Detroit Zoo, one-fifth of which are considered threatened or endangered in the wild.

DescriptionThis large yellow or brown snake has large, dark brown or black splotches. It is one of the largest snakes residents of Michigan will see in the wild. It is not venomous and not a threat to humans.

Scientific name: Elaphe vulpina gloydiContinent: North AmericaHabitat: Marshes and wetlandsSize: 3 to 5 feet longWeight: Around 2 poundsDiet: Small mammals, such as mice, and small birdsReproduction: Breeding starts in April and runs to July; eggs can be laid in June to early August. Females will not breed for several years after their birth, then only every two years.Lifespan: 8-10 yearsConservation Status: Near threatened

FUN FACTS

Hatchlings are not the typical orange and black coloration but are shades of gray to look like the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. In fact, they will even rattle their tail in dry leaves to sound like a rattlesnake.